A high-sensitivity continuous glucose sensor using porous 3D cellulose/ carbon nanotube network

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Existing needle-based continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices suffer from limited sensitivity due to insufficient enzyme immobilization.
• This limitation hinders accurate and reliable glucose detection in interstitial fluid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-sensitivity continuous glucose sensor (CGS) with enhanced enzyme capacity and improved detection sensitivity.
• To engineer a novel sensor utilizing a porous 3D cellulose/carbon nanotube (CNT) network and a multi-electrode tapered needle design.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a porous 3D cellulose/carbon nanotube (CNT) network on the working electrode to increase enzyme loading.
• Integration of glucose oxidase (GOD)-modified working electrode, Pt-modified counter electrode, and Ag/AgCl-modified reference electrode within microgrooves of a tapered resin needle.
• Development of a miniature potentiostat and wireless circuit for signal acquisition, processing, and transmission.

Main Results:

• The proposed CGS demonstrated a high sensitivity of 9.15 μA/mM/cm² for continuous glucose monitoring in interstitial fluid.
• The sensor maintained functionality for up to 9 days in live rat models.
• The engineered CNT network significantly enhanced signal intensity and detection sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed CGS offers a significant advancement in continuous glucose monitoring technology.
• The novel sensor design overcomes the sensitivity limitations of previous CGM devices.
• This technology holds promise for improved diabetes management through accurate, long-term glucose monitoring.